Dear Baby Brother,

I can't believe you're already graduating middle school. It feels like yesterday I was an excited little kid learning that I was going to have a second little brother. It feels like I went from holding a curly-haired cherub to watching you cross a middle school stage in the blink of an eye.

As you get ready for high school, there are some little things I have to make sure you know before you go off and do great things.

The most important thing I can tell you is to remember to be yourself. There will always be people who look at you funny because you're different than they are. They will think you are wrong, or weird because you don't think like them. But you are not. You're the kindest, most brilliant person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. None of the bullies in the world can take that from you. Never change yourself to make others happy. You will just make yourself miserable as a result.

Keep working hard. I know you hate reading and that you would much rather be sat with math equations all day but I promise that the books they're going to make you read will make you a much more well-rounded person, even if you don't believe that. You are so much more than the numbers on your report cards, but those numbers are still important. And you've got two older siblings and a devoted mother to help you out when you're struggling.

Find your niche. It may not be easy at first, but I feel confident that you can do it. You're the best kid in the whole world (and I'm only a little biased when I say that). I know a new school with new people is daunting and kind of scary, but I know that you are going to find people who recognize you for all of your awesome. And when you do, hold onto them for as long as you can.

But that being said... don't be afraid to let people go if they're not good for you. I know you have a kind and forgiving heart and you always want to give people the benefit of the doubt and you'll throw chance after chance at them, but there are people in the world who don't deserve your kindness. So when you realize that someone in your life isn't treating you the way you want to be treated, don't be afraid to show them out of your life. Believe me, you'll be better off for it.

I know that you have a lot of worries as you get ready to start high school. The future is one giant question mark for you and that can feel daunting. But you don't have to know what you want to do with the rest of your life right now. Don't make the same mistake I did and try to grow up too fast. Enjoy the time you have as a kid because you're going to want some good memories to hold onto when the world gets too real.

And keep in mind that you have me. I will never leave your side and I am always here when you need me. Even if I'm not there, I'm a phone call or text message away. And I love you.

Love always,

Your adoring older sibling